The long-awaited British heavyweight super-fight between Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua has been plunged into serious doubt following a tragic car crash involving Joshua in Nigeria.
Tragedy Strikes in Nigeria
Anthony Joshua was involved in a serious road traffic accident near Lagos, Nigeria. The Jeep he was travelling in collided with a stationary truck. Two of his team members, Latif Ayodele and Sina Ghami, were killed in the crash.
Joshua, 36, was pulled from the wreckage and taken to hospital, where he is being treated for injuries sustained in the incident. The boxing world has been sending messages of support to the former world champion in the wake of the tragedy.
Warren Rules Out 2026 Fight Plan
Speaking exclusively to The Mirror, Tyson Fury's promoter, Frank Warren, has dismissed the previously discussed timeline for a potential mega-fight. Plans had suggested Joshua could fight again in February 2026 before a summer showdown with Fury.
"I can't see that fight happening now, certainly not until very late in the New Year," Warren stated. He emphasised that boxing is the last thing on Joshua's mind as he deals with the loss of close friends and recovers from his injuries.
"Well, boxing will certainly be the last thing on his mind, right now," Warren said. "He's obviously lost two team members who were good, close friends... I don't know the extent of his injuries, but it's also how mentally this will affect him."
Uncertain Future for Both Heavyweights
The future of both fighters is now clouded with uncertainty. Joshua had only just returned to the ring with a knockout victory over social media influencer Jake Paul in December 2025. Questions now surround if and when he will be fit to compete again.
For Fury, 37, the path is also unclear. The 'Gypsy King' has not fought since his two defeats to Oleksandr Usyk in 2024 and has been on an extended break from the sport. Warren revealed he has not yet spoken to Fury about a potential comeback.
"I've not spoken to Tyson at all," Warren admitted. "He was on holiday... Tyson hadn't even made a concrete decision that he was definitely coming back."
Warren added that Fury's family do not want him to fight again, but acknowledged the former champion could change his mind at any time. He expressed a hope that if Fury does return, it would be soon rather than after a prolonged retirement.
In the immediate aftermath of the crash, Fury was among the first to offer condolences on Instagram, writing: "This is so sad. May god give them a good bed in heaven."
The proposed all-British clash, touted as a potential £100 million event, now appears to be on hold indefinitely as Anthony Joshua focuses on recovery and mourns the devastating loss of his friends.
